Publisher's Description

"This tale captured me and held me hostage to the very last page. Breathlessly waiting for the next book."--Donita K. Paul, author of The Dragon Keeper Chronicles and The Chiril Chronicles

Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified and bad-tempered, and at age seventeen she's much too young. In addition, no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as Parne's elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.

Yet she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to hear the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. There she meets a young ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela battles how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.

Author Bio

R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.

This was an entertaining and very though-provoking book. It gave me insight into what real spirituality means, even though this is a fictional story about the journey of Ela, who is chosen by the Infinite to become a Prophet. I could really identify with the character, and the story was engrossing from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book.

I loved the details of being obedient to the infinite with constant protection. This book amazed me. I quickly read all 3 books, each equivalent in greatness. I loved the romantic, adventure and comedy all put together. I sincerely hope she will continue the series or do others. 5 stars to RJ Larson!

This is the first book I have read in the Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre and I would have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I prefer to read books based on historical fact, not fantastical imaginings. However, the author did a wonderful job creating a believable world and relatable characters. I found it easy to fall in love with each character, but especially with the heroine, Ela of Parne and her unlikely friend, Kien Lantec.

The author did a great job creating a fantasy world that was still believable. The events in the story are very similar to events during the time of the prophets in Israel in the Old Testament. R.J. Larson's goal in this story was to make the Old Testament prophets come to life in a fantasy-like world. I liked the parallelism between Old Testament events and this story.

I think my favorite part of this story was how often Ela prayed/talked to her Creator. Though "God" is never mentioned (He is referred to as the Infinite or Creator), I loved how close of a relationship and communion Ela had. She is constantly conversing with her Creator in her thoughts. She brings up more than just her worries and concerns, but her conversations are about little details of her life as well. This story was inspiring and humbling for me, realizing I do not talk to my Savior nearly as much as I should if I really want to KNOW Him. I find myself aspiring to have a better relationship, and this book helped me to see that.

Another aspect of this book that I really liked was what drove Ela to bring people to repentance. She experienced what life would be like if God withdrew His presence from her life. God grants us each breath, it is because of Him that we exist. In the story, Ela is allowed to briefly experience life without Him...it is agonizing and terrible; an idea of what eternal separation from God is like. This drives Ela to share her Creator's love. How often do we forget that God is our reason for living? We get so prideful and confident in our own abilities that we forget we are nothing without God. How many times do I take the credit for the things happening in my life? In fact, God deserves the glory for it all, not me and my "abilities" which are God-given anyways.We need Him; we are His created in need of our Creator. And yet, He gave us free will to choose to love Him, we were not forced to love Him. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. This message was also displayed loud and clear in this story.

The only thing I would have to critique about this book is that, in my opinion, the author uses "visions" excessively throughout the story. I think they are a neat element, but a bit unrealistic. Yet, in the story, the Infinite does not always answer her questions, or grant her a full and complete vision. He knows what she is capable of handling and doesn't give her every detail.... partly to build trust and partly to protect her. I feel as though the visions were overused, and would have liked to have had less of them in the story.

In summary, I really did enjoy this book. I would encourage fans of Christian Sci-Fi/Fantasy and history guru's to read this series. I was very surprised and glad I expanded my horizons a bit to encompass this story. I look forward to Book Two of this series, and hoping that the author refines her storytelling even more.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.